DOYLESTOWN, PA — Plumstead Township dairy farmer Joshua Bishop has been named this year's Fred Groshens Bucks County Farmer of the Year by the Bucks County Conservation District.
Representatives from the Bucks County Conservation District were at the Middletown Grange Fair, where they presented a proclamation from the Bucks County Commissioners and an aerial photograph of the farm to the family.
The Bishop family owns and operates Ensenda Holsteins, a fifth-generation farm on Curly Hill Road in the township, where they milk 100 cows and tend to 125 heifers and calves.
According to the conservation district, the Bishops have demonstrated a commitment to preserving natural resources on their farm through innovative practices that include building diverse manure storage, planting cover crops to naturally enhance the soil, and protecting the North Branch Neshaminy Creek with a riparian buffer.
Joshua Bishop is presented with an aerial photograph of the family farm. (Bucks County Government)
"The combined efforts of the Bishop family have had positive impacts on soil and water quality, while also helping the farm to become more productive and sustainable as a result," said conservation district officials.
In addition to running the farm, the family helps train 4-H members to show and groom dairy calves at the fair.
The award is presented to a farmer who has furthered conservation in Bucks County by addressing resource concerns on their farm as it pertains to the health and maintenance of soil, water, air, animals, plants, or humans.
The Bucks County Conservation District promotes conservation practices in the agricultural community by:
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